2 Spring Bars: Boxcar Lounge and Harefield Road
As we wait with anticipation for the seemingly never-ending rain to stop, and reminisce about the 80 degree weather, here are a couple of bars to keep in mind for when things get back to normal. I didn’t mention Union pool because I’m pretty sure everyone knows about that amazing “garden” and the resident $3 taco truck.
Boxcar Lounge, located on Ave. B, near 11th St. in the East Village.
Not only have I seen Zadie Smith sitting at this bar (which, I guess is technically unrelated to it being Springtime), but this place also boasts a really nice back patio area that isn’t overrun with frat boys or hipsters. It’s a bit small inside and out, but I’ve never seems to get too crowded on the weekends. They also have a 2-for1- Happy Hour special Mon-Thurs, 4-10pm and Fridays 4-8pm. I imagine that this amazing special fills it up during the week. If you don’t get a seat outside, there are plenty of cozy little spots good enough for a date.
Also, it’s cash only, but next door at Lakeside Lounge, I’m pretty sure they have an ATM. Honestly, I’ve stuck strictly to beer here so far, but Boxcar features a homemade sangria, sake gimlets, and a “Japan Cocktail”. Not sure about the latter two, but I’m all geared up to try their sangria-which NY Mag describes as “rocket-fueled.”
What makes this a perfect Spring bar? My equation= Outside patio – Douchebags + rocket-fuel sangria + 2-for-1 happy hour.
Fun Fact: Prior to 1998 (before 50 cent slutified the Candy Shop), this bar used to be a candy store that was known as a favorite place in the East Village for scoring coke.
Harefield Road, located off the Graham L stop in “East Williamsburg”, Brooklyn.
Not only does this place feature a really nice selection of beers, but they have an excellent back area and they serve a yummy $12 brunch (including coffee or tea AND a mimosa or Bloody Mary) on the weekends. Otherwise, they have a 4-8pm happy hour special on selected beers every day.
One of my favorite warm weather drinks is a Snakebite– kind of like a Black & Tan, except instead of using pale ale, there’s cider. I usually get it with Guinness, and though the Irishmen who own this bar are pretty particular about “defiling” a Guinness, they’re willing to accommodate my semi-frequent request.
Few things are better than getting a Hefeweisen with lemon, or a Snakebite, and sitting in the back patio of Harefields on a warm day or night. It rarely gets too crowded (apart from brunch time), and there always seems to be room for everyone.
Oh, and on Sundays at 4pm, a band called the Cangelosi Cards plays old-timey 20s/30s jazz (Lindy Hop?) starting at 4pm, for free!
Fun Fact: Sometimes, and this is especially fun during weekend brunch time, you can get a pint of Mimosa from a bartender/waitress named Erin. It might cost you a dollar or two extra beyond the $12 at brunch, but if you’re like me, it makes way more sense to just get a pint of it instead of ordering flute after flute.
